Nandy pledges crackdown on 'doxxing' after RNLI volunteers see personal details online
UK Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has pledged to strengthen laws against 'doxxing' after RNLI volunteers faced online abuse. Nandy criticized social media companies for inconsistent standards and specifically condemned X for failing to attend a meeting on the issue.
Why it matters
This highlights the growing tension between government regulation of online safety and the accountability of major social media platforms regarding harassment.
Image source, PA Media Image caption, The Culture Secretary has said tougher action is needed on 'doxxing'
Lisa Nandy has vowed to strengthen the law on "doxxing" after lifeboat volunteers involved in migrant crossing rescues had their personal details published online.
The culture secretary said she would "tighten up the law" to make doxxing, which involves leaking people's home addresses, a criminal offence.
Currently, she said this kind of behaviour is only illegal if it is done with clear intent to cause fear, harm and distress.
Nandy convened a meeting with social media companies on Tuesday afternoon to discuss such abuse, but she called social media company X a "disgrace" for failing to turn up.
Last week, the chief executive of the RNLI - the Royal National Lifeboat Institute - condemned online and physical abuse volunteers for the charity had received over English Channel migrant crossings.
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